Previous Programmes – Celtic Spirit

Aran Islands a la Carte

STORM Web — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:56:54 +0000

ARAN ISLANDS À LA CARTE

You would like to discover the Island yourself but you would still appreciate to get advices, information and tips from an Island expert ?

This programme caters for both: I organize accommodation in the Cultural Centre or in B+B nearby, transfer from/to harbour and daily meetings where I will provide you with information about Island life, culture, walks and if you wish I organize other activities like:

Bicycle hire

Boat trips around the Island

Ponytrekking

Sea angling or angling from the Cliffs

Guided nature and archaological walks

Walks on Celtic heritage

Basketmaking

Lessons in Gaelic language and in traditional singing
etc.

Tin Whistle lessons

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English Language Course

STORM Web — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 17:13:25 +0000

English Language Course

ENGLISH THROUGH WALKS AND TALKS

Improve your English through lessons, conversation, Celtic and archaeological walks, films, lectures and discussions with people from the Island. Level of English: +/- intermediate

English instructor: Ursula Murray

Click on the ITINERARY Section Tab above for an example of a previous course for more detailed tour information.

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Experience Sligo

Elizabeth Zollinger — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:52:36 +0000

Experience Sligo with people who live there

Harper and Sligo native Catherine Rhatigan invites you to explore the magical landscape and lifestyle of North Sligo, stunning beach walks, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, WB Yeats, Knocknarea, Seaweed and Hawk walks, history and stories.

More detailed tour information is given in the Itinerary Section.

PROGRAMME DATE

6 – 13 August 2024

BOOKING

The number of places is limited and the flights are cheap if one can book early. We will confirm the trip as soon as we have 10 registrations. Please do not book flights until we confirm the trip.

TRAVEL / FLIGHTS

Dublin Airport (flight individually or with other participants), direct bus from Airport to Sligo town

Meet in Sligo town

INCLUDED

7 nights in the Pier Head Hotel (Leisure Centre and Spa) in Mulloghmore with full Irish breakfast

All transport (excluding flights and bus to and from Sligo town)

4 evening meals

2 lunches

Guided tours and other activities in accordance with program.

NOT INCLUDED

3 evening meals and 5 lunches

Beverages and Tips

Travel insurances

ACCOMMODATION

7 nights in the Pier House Hotel in Mulloghmore

COST

Approx. CHF 1490. -, about Euro 1490.-(depending on exchange rates) from Sligo Town to Sligo Town.

Additional nights in Mulloghmore, Galway and on Inis Mór: starting from CHF 50.- (Euro 50.-) B+B sharing.

SUPPLEMENTS

Single rooms: CHF 220.- (Euro 220.-)
(There are not many single rooms available, first come first served, and we would appreciate if people are willing to share.)

Small group surcharges: 12/13 p.: CHF 190.- (Euro 190)/ 10/11 p.: CHF 250 (Euro 250)

CANCELLATION

Up to 90 days before departure: 10% of the total price
59-31 days before departure: 60% of the total price
30-1 days before departure: 80% of the total price
On the day of departure or no show up: 100% of the total price

Catherine Rhatigan grew up in north Sligo, studied at University College Galway, and was teaching in Donegal town before moving to Zurich. She has a life long interest in the area where she grew up, and has worked on several artistic projects in recent years that feature the culture, landscape and history of the region, both abroad and at home. Her work has aired in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Austria The U.S., Slovakia and Switzerland as well as in Ireland. She and Elizabeth have worked together on several cultural projects over the last decade. www.irelandharp.net

Elizabeth Zollinger, an artist from Zurich, lives part-time on Inis Mór since 1974 and is strongly connected with the island, its people and its culture. In cooperation with some Islanders she created the project “Celtic Spirit “in 1996, offering Cultural Weeks which aim to retain the culture and heritage of Inis Mór while developing and promoting a sustainable tourism on the island.

download pdf: Sligo Experience

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Gaelic Song and Dance

STORM Web — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 14:58:30 +0000

Gaelic Song and Dance

26 July – 4 August 2015

TRADITIONAL ECHOES IN SONG AND DANCE

Become engrossed in the world of the ancient Gaelic songs (sean nós) with the well known singer Treasa Ní Mhiolláin, learn Set- and Céili dances with the experienced dancing instructor Tony Ryan, visit hidden mystic places with the Celtic priest Dara Ó Maoildhia, enjoy the cozy atmosphere in the pubs, walk through the outstanding landscape of the Island along high cliffs and wide beaches and finish this unique culture week dancing and singing with friends from the Island at the Farewell party with live music.

More detailed tour information is given in the Itinerary Section.

PROGRAMME DATE

26 July – 4 August 2015 (Closed)

BOOKING

Closed

TRAVEL / FLIGHTS

Flights to Dublin or Shannon, then bus from the airport to Galway, arriving before 16.15 pm. I can help with flights if you travel from Switzerland, cheapest fares usually through internet but I also have a good contact to a travel agency.

INCLUDED

8 nights sharing: in Kilmurveyhouse with Irish breakfast buffet, 4 evening meals, in self catering house: 3 evening meals,

Workshops, guided tours,

Walks and transports according to programme.

NOT INCLUDED

Travel to and from Galway,

5 (6) dinners, lunch,

Drinks, tips.

ACCOMMODATION

in the comfortable *** Kilmurvey Guesthouse or in a cosy self-catering house

COST

Double room in Kilmurvey House: approx: Euro 1440 (CHF1570) in self catering house: approx: Euro 1220 (CHF1330), dep. on exchange rate and number of participants.

SUPPLEMENTS

(8 nights/p): single room: in Kilmurvey House: Euro 210 (CHF230), in the self catering house: Euro 90 (CHF100), en suite 130 (CHF145), Galway last night: Euro 33 (CHF37) (the number of single rooms is restricted, specially in Galway: book early!)

CANCELLATION

Organization: Elizabeth Zollinger, an artist from Zurich, lives part time on Inis Mór since 1974 and is strongly connected with the island, its people and its culture. In cooperation with some islanders she created the project “Celtic Spirit “in 1996, offering Cultural Weeks which aim to retain the culture and heritage of Inis Mór while developing and promoting a sustainable tourism on the island.

Treasa

Treasa Ní Mhiolláin: born on Inis Mór, is a well known Sean-nós singer. She participated in many concerts in Ireland and abroad, in the radio and on televison and won numerous prizes and awards. She run workshops all over Ireland and also in Switzerland and is well used to teach the Gaelic songs to non Gaelic speakers. It is great fun to learn these beautiful old songs with her.

Tony Ryan: one of Irelands best dance instructor from Galway, leading Setdancing Workshops in Ireland and all over the world, specially in the States (Milwaukee Festival) and in Switzerland. He is a very pleasant person and a passionate and patient teacher.

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Irish Music and Song

STORM Web — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 11:38:50 +0000

Irish Music and Song

“The Music of what Happens”

28 April – 7 (6) May 2012 on the Island of Inis Mór and in Louisburgh, Co Mayo

Six-day cultural program on Inis Mór, with plenty of time to relax, finishing with a visit to the “Féile Chois Cuain”, a great festival in Louisburgh with lots of music, singing, dancing, workshops and hiking in the beautiful surroundings of Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, a pretty town surrounded by mountains and endless beaches.

More detailed tour information is given in the Itinerary Section.

PROGRAMME DATE

April/ May 2012

BOOKING

Closed

TRAVEL / FLIGHTS

Meet in Galway at meeting point

INCLUDED

In Elizabeth’s House or in the the luxurious holiday home: 6 nights accommodation (sharing) with self-catering

In Kilmurveyhouse: 6 nights accommodation (double room with shower / WC), with full Irish breakfast and service.

For everybody:

2 dinners on Inis Mór (Bay View Restaurant, Joel),

3 overnight stays in the Ocean Lodge, Killadoon near Louisburgh (DR) with dinner the first evening

All common transport, tours and other activities according to program

NOT INCLUDED

Some dinners

Lunch, drinks, tips,

Entrance fees at the festival and extra transportation.

ACCOMMODATION

3 accommodation options for 6 nights in Inis Mór: Elizabeth’s house, self-catering Holiday Home or local B&B Kilmurvey House.

3 night B&B in Ocean Lodge, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo for all.

COST

from Galway and to Westport: in the self-catering holiday home or in Elizabeth’s house: appr. Euro 1195 (dep. on Euro exchange rate)

In Kilmurveyhouse (*** guesthouse) Euro 1360

SUPPLEMENTS

Single rooms: 6 nights Inis Mór: Kilmurveyhouse: EUR 150, self catering holiday homes: Euro 90 / 120 – (with shower / WC) 3 nights

In Ocean Lodge: Euro 90 Double room with shower / toilet in holiday homes: Euro 60/ P.

(the accommodations are small and rooms at the festival scarce. We appreciate, if people are willing to share rooms)

CANCELLATION

Closed

Festival Féile Chois Cuain: A celebration of traditional Irish music and song The little town of Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, will be alive with traditional music, song, dance and craic for the 18th annual Féile Chois Cuain over the May Bank Holiday weekend. More information: www.feilechoiscuain.com

Louisburgh is a small pretty town in Co. Mayo in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, surrounded by a splendid majestic mountain scenery, open blanket bog and long sandy beaches. The area contains over 700 archeaological sites.

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Island Holidays for Singles

STORM Web — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:26:00 +0000

Island Holidays for Singles

Meet up with people from other countries, make new friends and enjoy the Island together. Activities to choose from: walks, archaeology, Irish culture (song and dance), fishing, etc. and plenty of fun. (Not a matchmaking week!).

Click on the ITINERARY Section Tab above for an example of a previous course for more detailed tour information.

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Magic Islands along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

Elizabeth Zollinger — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:20:28 +0000

Magic Islands along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

Inishmore, Inishbofin, Inishark, Inishturk, Clare Island, Westport

On each of the five Islands, in very different landscapes, we will make easy walks with local guides. From them and other islanders we will get a lot of information about island life and the struggle for survival today and in earlier times. We will visit the uninhabited island of Inishark and get to know, why the people had to leave a long time ago. On the way to Inishturk Island we will drive through the magic landsape of Connemara where we will visit a sheep farm with a sheep dog demonstration. The trip ends in the picturesque little town of Westport where we will visit a music session in the famous pub of Matt Molloy (member of “The Chieftains”): a trip with a lot of time to relax and explore yourself.

The tour will be led by Elizabeth Zollinger, founder of the project “Celtic Spirit” on Inis Mór

More detailed tour information is given in the Itinerary Section.

PROGRAMME DATE

5 – 15 August 2025 (11 days)

BOOKING

No later then 1 May 2025 (early booking recommended: places limited and flights are cheaper if booked early)

TRAVEL / FLIGHTS

Dublin Airport (flight individually or with other participants), bus to Galway (every half an hour direct from the airport)

Meet in Galway at meeting point at 16.30

individually back from Westport by train to Dublin (good connections)

INCLUDED

10 nights B+B and hotels sharing

All common bus and boat transport (excluding flights)

5 evening meals and 1 lunch

Organization and guided tours and other activities in accordance to program.

NOT INCLUDED

5 evening meals and lunches (mostly picknick)

Flights and travel to Galway and from Westport, beverages and tips, insurances

ACCOMMODATION

3 nights in Kilmurvey Guesthouse on Inis Mór

3 nights in Inishbofin House Hotel on Inishbofin

3 nights in friendly B+B’s on Inishturk

1 night in the Mariner Boutique Hotel in Westport

COST

CHF 1610 – 1790.-, depending on exchange rate and number of participants, from Galway to Westport.

Additional nights in Galway, Westport and on Inis Mór can be booked: starting from Euro 60.-, B+B sharing.

SUPPLEMENTS

Single rooms: CHF 290.- dep. on exchange rate
(As the hotels/guesthouses are small there are not many single rooms available and we would appreciate if people are willing to share, may be even part time)

CANCELLATION

Up to 60 days before departure: 10% of the total price
59-31 days before departure: 60% of the total price
30-1 days before departure: 80% of the total price
On the day of departure or no show up: 100% of the total price

Elizabeth Zollinger, an artist from Zurich, lives part-time on Inis Mór since 1974 and is strongly connected with the island, its people and its culture. In cooperation with some Islanders she created the project “Celtic Spirit “in 1996, offering Cultural Weeks which aim to retain the culture and heritage of Inis Mór while developing and promoting a sustainable tourism on the island. She has many years experience in organizing and guiding tours.

download pdf: Magic Islands 2025

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Mysterious Ireland

STORM Web — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 12:31:52 +0000

Mysterious Ireland

7 July – 17 July 2014

Mythology and Sacred Places across the Emerald Isle.

Hill of Tara, New Grange, Inishmore, Ring of Beara, Glendalough and many more.

More detailed tour information is given in the Itinerary Section.

PROGRAMME DATE

7 July – 17 July 2014

BOOKING

Closed

TRAVEL / FLIGHTS

Meeting point at Dublin Airport

INCLUDED

11 – day cultural tour and excursions by private bus and by boat from and to Dublin,

Guided tours and entrance fees as per itinerary

10 nights in a twin room in nice middle class hotels or B + B’s including full Irish breakfast

5 dinners, guided and supported by an experienced Ireland specialist and a
professional expert.

NOT INCLUDED

5 dinners

Lunch/Picnic, drinks and tipps

Insurance

Participants are responsible to include the necessary insurances

ACCOMMODATION

10 nights in a twin room in nice middle class hotels or B + B’s

COST

CHF 2490 convert to other currencies depending on exchange rate

SUPPLEMENTS

Single rooms CHF 350

CANCELLATION

Closed

Unique culture and study tour to Irelands archaeological and mythological sites with the well known Swiss ethnologist Dr. Kurt Derungs and the Ireland specialist Elizabeth Zollinger At various places we meet local people who will talk to us about their region and accompany us to hidden treasures. This personal contact enriches our unique cultural journey. (basic translation available)

Guides: Kurt Derungs: Swiss ethnologist, founder of the idea of landscape mythology and Head of the Academy of Landscape. For more then 15 years he has been leading study tours in Switzerland and abroad and he is the author of numerous books on the subject of mythological landscapes and ancient knowledge. (www.derungs.org)

Elizabeth Zollinger, an artist from Switzerland, has lived on the Island part time for over 30 years. She has developed an intimate relationship with the island, its people and its culture. This intimacy and excellent relationship with the local islanders inspired her to develop the Celtic Spirit Project in 1996, which aims to preserve and retain the true culture and heritage of Inishmore while developing and promoting a sustainable tourism for the Island. (www.irish-culture.ch)

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NATURE AND MYSTERY: Connemara, Inishmore and the Burren

Elizabeth Zollinger — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 12:26:56 +0000

NATURE AND MYSTERY

in Connemara, on Inishmore and in the Burren

A journey with leisurely hikes in three very different magical landscapes, accompanied by the words of local writers and philosophers on the ideas of Celtic wisdom and Celtic Christianity, encounters with local personalities, Irish music and plenty of time at your disposal.

The tour will be led by Elizabeth Zollinger, founder of the project “Celtic Spirit” on Inis Mór, Aran Islands and the theologian Brigitte Fuchs

More detailed tour information is given in the Itinerary Section.

PROGRAMME DATE

15 – 24 April 2024

BOOKING

The number of places is limited and the flights are cheap if one can book early. We will confirm the trip as soon as we have 10 registrations. Please do not book flights until we can confirm the trip.

TRAVEL / FLIGHTS

flight to Dublin Airport and direct bus from airport to Galway (flight individually or with other participants), meeting in Galway around 4 pm.

INCLUDED

9 nights in comfortable B+B’s, self catering accommodation and guesthouses, sharing

All transport (excluding flights)

6 full Irish breakfast

4 evening meals

Guided tours and other activities in accordance to program.

NOT INCLUDED

Flight to and from Dublin, bus to Galway

5 evening meals, 3 breakfasts, lunches (mostly picnic)

Beverages and tips, insurance

ACCOMMODATION

3 nights in friendly B+B’s in Roundstone or in a luxurious self catering house

3 nights in the comfortable Kilmurvey Guesthouse on Inis Mór

3 nights in the cosy O’Connors Guesthouse in Doolin

COST

Approx. CHF 1860. – (Euro 1860.-, depending on exchange rate) from Galway and back to Dublin Airport.

Additional nights in Galway, Dublin and in Doolin can be booked: starting from Euro 50.- (CHF 50.-), B+B sharing.

SUPPLEMENTS

Single rooms: CHF 280.- (Euro 280.- dep. on exchange rate)
(As the hotels/guesthouses are small there are not many single rooms available and we would appreciate if people are willing to share, maybe even part time)

Small group supplement: 10/11 participants: CHF 120.- (Euro 120.-), if there is a substantial change in the exchange rate we will adjust the prices.

CANCELLATION

Brigitte Fuchs grew up in Bavaria and has lived in Switzerland since 1990. She has travelled regularly to Ireland over the last 15 years and is fascinated by the unspoilt nature, the Celtic spirituality and the people she finds there. Between 1996 and 2015 she worked as a pastor in various parishes in Switzerland, but is currently self-employed, offering funeral and other rites and support to people during difficult periods of life. She also works as a substitute pastor in the Canton of Berne. For more information about Brigitte and her work, see : www.corpore-et-anima.ch.

download pdf: Nature and Mystery

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Seaweed Week

STORM Web — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 16:42:11 +0000

SEAWEED WEEK ON THE ISLE OF INIS MÓR, IRELAND

Discover with us the wonderful world of algae on the shores of the beautiful island of Inis Mór. Doctor and algae specialist Prannie Rhatigan will show us how to harvest the plants sustainably.

Depending on the level of the water we will find eight to ten different species of edible seaweed, get to know their names, and learn about the nutrients they contain.

In the comfortable kitchen of Joe’s house, we will prepare simple and tasty recipes with Prannie.

With Mairtin Concannon we will collect more algae, which will be dried in his drying facilities ready for us to take home.

There will also be time for nice walks through the exciting landscape of the island, to relax in the beautiful surroundings and to explore on your own.

More detailed tour information is given in the Itinerary Section.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

15 Februaury 2015

TRAVEL

Flights to Dublin or Shannon, then bus from the Airport to Galway, arriving before 16.30 pm. I can help with flights if you travel from Switzerland, cheapest fares usually through internet but I also have a good contact to a travel agency.

COSTS

Euro 1220 (CHF 1490) (sharing rooms)

INCLUDED

Course with Prannie Rhatigan and Mairtin Concannon

Drying of the algae

Ingredients for the cooking

3 dinners, 6 nights sharing in Kilmurveyhouse

Last night B+B in Galway

NOT INCLUDED

Travel to and from Galway,

4 dinners, lunch, drinks, tips.

SUPPLEMENTS

Single room (6 nights in Kilmurveyhouse): Euro 155.- (CHF 190.-) Galway last night: Euro 33 (CHF 40).

Long ago Algae was known and used by our ancestors as a healthy food supplement, and still is today in Japan, China and along the coasts of North, Central and South America. Happily this sea vegetable is also regaining importance in Europe and not only for the increasingly popular sushi rolls!
The high nutritional value of edible algae makes it a popular choice for a healthy diet. Western medicine is currently investing in exploring the medicinal value of algae and some evidence exists for its usefulness in lowering blood pressure, purifying blood and protecting the stomach and guts. Antivirus, antibacterial and anticancer effects have also been proven.

In traditional Chinese medicine, seaweed is already used since over 5000 years. It is worth noting that the low rates of breast cancer in Japanese women is very low and Japan is the country with the largest consumption of this sea vegetable.

Prannie Rhatigan is a doctor and has been collecting algae and learning how to use them in the kitchen since childhood. Born in the North West of Ireland she became interested in the connection between food and health a long time ago. In 2009 her beautiful book “Irish Sea Weed Kitchen” was published. With over 150 old and new easy, delicious recipes it received wide acclaim in Ireland and abroad.

As a member of “Slow Food” she has represented Ireland at various events abroad. She regularly gives seminars and lectures on health and algae. Since the publication of her book she is almost overwhelmed with requests and I am very grateful that she agreed to work with us in this new and exciting program. www.prannie.com

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